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Work and Breastfeeding

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Storing breastmilk

Any container that can be disinfected and sealed is suitable for storing expressed breastmilk, including:

• glass containers
• plastic containers
• small sealable plastic bags.

Most of these containers should also be suitable for freezing. Frozen breastmilk expands in the container, so only fill to three quarters of the container to prevent it bursting.

Ensure containers are disinfected before collecting expressed breastmilk.

The following is a simple guide for mothers storing expressed breastmilk at home and work [8]:

• wash hands thoroughly with soap and water
• refrigerate or freeze breastmilk after expressing
• freeze milk that will not be used within two days
• use the oldest milk first; date the container at the time of collection.

When storing expressed breastmilk at work ensure that the container is clearly labelled before placing in the fridge. Ensure to place it towards the back of the fridge.

Storing breast milk for home and work use [8]

Breastmilk	Room temperature (26°C or lower)	Refrigerator (4°C or lower)	Freezer
Freshly expressed into container	6-8 hours. If refrigeration is available store milk there	3-5 days Store at the back where it is coldest	2 weeks in freezer compartment inside refrigerator 3 months in freezer section of refrigerator with separate door 6-12 months in deep freeze (-18°C or lower)
Previously frozen-thawed in refrigerator but not warmed	4 hours or less- that is, the next feeding	24 hours	Do not refreeze
Thawed outside refrigerator in warm water	Use immediately -complete the feed	4 hours or until next feeding	Do not refreeze
Infant has begun feeding	Use immediately - complete the feed	Discard	Discard

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Transporting breastmilk [8]

• transport breastmilk in an insulated container - an esky with a freezer brick
• if some milk has thawed it should be used within 24 hours - do not refreeze it
• place the milk in the refrigerator (or in the freezer if it is still frozen) immediately on arrival at destination.

Thawing breastmilk [8]

• thaw frozen milk in the refrigerator over 24 hours, or run under warm water but not in boiling water as the milk will curdle. Do not thaw in the microwave
• do not leave frozen breastmilk to stand at room temperature.

Warming breastmilk [8]

• place the container of frozen breastmilk under running cold water, gradually allowing the water to get warmer until the milk becomes liquid
• warm chilled or thawed breastmilk in a jug or saucepan of hot water or an electric drink heater until the milk reaches body temperature.

A microwave should not be used to thaw or heat milk as it heats unevenly and may cause burning. Research also suggests that microwaving changes the immunological qualities and nutrient composition qualities of breastmilk.

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